Suzhou, in southern china about 2 hours by car from shanghai, is one of the most beautiful cities in china. The city prides itself on its rich cultural history and the abundance of water ways, beautiful gardens and opulent traditional Chinese mansions.

Suzhou's most popular tourist attractions are the water towns. Many of these are now being restored and protected as heritage sites.

There are many famous houses or mansions in Suzhou, including the former home of the world famous architect, I.M. Pei. These mansions usually have elaborately designed gardens adorned with rock sculptures, koi ponds and willow trees.

Rock gardens and koi ponds weave between pagodas and formal guest rooms, evoking memories of scenes from classic kung fu movies

Old, dark wood and brick terrace houses line narrow cobblestoned streets along the river in The water town of wuzhen